I have heard lots of people say there’s such a homeless problem in Hawaii and different attitudes toward the homeless: Some people pointing and laughing as people dig in trash cans, the looks of disgust because someone is dirty on
I have heard lots of people say there’s such a homeless problem in Hawaii and different attitudes toward the homeless: Some people pointing and laughing as people dig in trash cans, the looks of disgust because someone is dirty on the outside. I have this to say, anyone with soap and water can become clean on the outside but only love can clean the inside.
I walked past this one lady trying to make money. I said, “I wish I had something to give you, can I pray for you?”
After, she thanked me. I said, “I wish I had some money to give you but I have no money.”
The lady said, “I can give you a few dollars if you need it.”
That touched my heart. She has little and she’s gonna give me all she has.
One guy said to me as he picked up a flower, “you have to take time to enjoy the little things.”
I smelled it and the smell was just as beautiful as a lot of the people’s hearts. One girl every day gives people flowers, most people walk past.
To everyone who says the homeless are the problem, I have a different opinion because lots of homeless people here have not just improved my time in Hawaii, but they improved my heart.
The love they have for each other is family love. This 16-year-old named Rachel who died for her faith in 1999 at Columbine wrote a statement that reads: “I have this theory that if one person will go out of their way for another, it will start a chain reaction.”
I have tested that theory back home in Pennsylvania and I see the spider web effect. There are lots of churches who help feed the homeless. In fact, I started to go to Amazing Grace Church on the Beach on Sundays. They feed the homeless and then have worship service at the Old Airport Park and it’s awesome when I walk past lots of these people who are without homes. I know it could be me, it could be anyone, so I try and give them my time and let them know I care and believe in them. There are many people from Youth with a Mission (YWAM) who talk to them and every YWAMer has said how awesome some of them are.
I really believe Hawaii could do more, in a loving way. If I had the resources, I’d love to start something that really gives people a chance, not just a bed.
Putting love and trust in people works. I had an older Mennonite farmer challenge me to do better. At that time, I was a homeless heroine addict. My friend never saw me as a problem, he saw me as a person of value. If any homeless people read this, I know you can become more because I have, but not by myself. You have a lot of people who believe in you at YWAM and some other churches. Don’t give up, the best is yet to come.
People, let’s start some chain reactions here in Hawaii. Let’s believe the best in people. God is mighty.
David “Teddy” Young is from Coatesville, Pa., living in Kailua-Kona without a fixed location at the time of the writing.
